System and method for handling special number calls using text message format

ABSTRACT

A system for handling special number calls placed from a calling instrument using a text messaging format includes: a plurality of message handling units configured in at least one communication network accessible by the calling instrument. At least one selected message handling unit of the plurality of message handling units operates to recognize an extant call placed from the calling instrument using a special number and expressed in the text messaging call format. The plurality of message handling units cooperates to effect querying the calling instrument to ascertain a substantially pinpoint geographic location of the calling instrument substantially contemporaneously with the extant call. The plurality of message handling units cooperates to use the geographic location for routing the extant call to at least one selected special number answering station coupled with the at least one communication network and situated generally proximate with the geographic location.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention is directed to telecommunication systems, andespecially to handling special number calls using text message format.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Special number services such as, by way of example and not by way oflimitation, the Emergency Service E9-1-1 network in the United States,were implemented primarily in a voice network. The relatively recentintroduction of text message (also referred to as text messaging)formats conveyed via voice networks has provided additional capabilitiesfor the E9-1-1 network as well as other special number networks. Forexample, deaf persons may access the E9-1-1 network using a textmessaging format without special equipment or connections to a specialnetwork. Similarly, when a calling station is unattended (e.g., a mobilestation such as an ACN (Automatic Collision Notification) system), anemergency notification message may be automatically provided via anetwork in a text messaging format.

Text messaging communication may employ a format such as Short MessageService (SMS) or Unstructured Supplementary Service Data (USSD) and maybe conveyed using control channels or other communication channelsassociated with a telecommunication network. By way of example and notby way of limitation, telecommunication networks may employ varioustypes of signaling in various channels of communication to effect thedesired routing, connection, packetizing and other functions associatedwith carrying out desired communications. By way of example and not byway of limitation, a switching protocol known as Signaling System-7(SS-7) may be employed for supporting such network functions ascall-establishment, billing, routing, and information exchange functionsin a Public Switched Telephone Network (PSTN). SS-7 may identifyfunctions to be performed by a signaling system PSTN and a protocol toenable performance of the identified functions. SS-7 may be used tosupport communications using a text messaging format.

Text messaging formats, such as, by way of example and not by way oflimitation, SMS format, permit transmission of alphanumeric messagesbetween a mobile subscriber and external systems such as electronicmail, paging, voice mail systems and special number systems (e.g.,Emergency Service Systems). To date, there has not been a “marriage” ofspecial number dialing and text message format messages. That is, untilnow one who desired to communicate with a special number system, such asan Emergency Service system, using a test messaging format had to dial aseven- or ten-digit number to reach a responsive entity. For example,one would have to dial a seven- or ten-digit number to reach a PublicSafety Answering Position (PSAP; sometimes referred to as a PublicSafety Answering Point) using a text messaging format in order to reportan emergency situation requiring assistance. One could not dial ashortened calling number when employing a text messaging format to reacha PSAP, such as by way of example and not by way of limitation dialing“9-1-1”.

Further, special number calling systems have originated and developedbased upon an assumption that the origination locus of a special numbercall is known prior to the initiation of the call. This presumption hastraditionally been correct because the specific address and location atan address is associated with every telephone number that supports fullycapable special number calling.

Known location information is preferably used to route E9-1-1 calls toan appropriate PSAP near the origin of the call. The same informationmay be used by the PSAP to support the emergency response to the call,such as dispatching fire, police or emergency medical personnel andequipment and for call back to the call originator if necessary.However, origin of a special number call is often not known when thecall is placed using a mobile phone.

If location information relating to a mobile phone provides only coarsemobile network cell-level granularity to an E9-1-1 PSAP, police oremergency service personnel may go to a location indicated for aparticular phone number and find that they have arrived at a largeoffice building or at a widespread college campus with no meansavailable for locating the caller with greater accuracy. Valuable timemay be spent in finding the particular locus of the caller to render therequired assistance. Such delays can be life threatening in the case ofemergency service calls.

Location technologies have more recently been developed, such as GPS(Global Positioning Satellite) technology to assist in locating mobilephones. However, to date there has been no “marriage” of locatingtechnology with special number calling using text messaging format. Thatis, no system or method has been available to user so far permittingconveyance of location information from a mobile caller to a calledparty when using a text messaging format.

There is a need for a system and method for handling special numbercalls using a text message format that recognizes a shortened callingnumber.

There is a need for a system and method for handling special numbercalls using a text message format that can provide location informationrelating to the calling party.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

A system for handling special number calls placed from a callinginstrument using a text messaging format includes a plurality of messagehandling units configured in at least one communication networkaccessible by the calling instrument. At least one selected messagehandling unit of the plurality of message handling units operates torecognize an extant call placed from the calling instrument using aspecial number and expressed in the text messaging call format. Theplurality of message handling units cooperates to effect querying thecalling instrument to ascertain a substantially pinpoint geographiclocation of the calling instrument substantially contemporaneously withthe extant call. The plurality of message handling units cooperates touse the geographic location for routing the extant call to at least oneselected special number answering station coupled with the at least onecommunication network and situated generally proximate with thegeographic location.

A method for handling special number calls placed from a callinginstrument using a text messaging format; the method includes: (a)providing a plurality of message handling units; (b) coupling theplurality of message handling units in at least one communicationnetwork accessible by the calling instrument; (c) operating at least oneselected message handling unit of the plurality of message handlingunits to recognize an extant call placed from the calling instrument inthe text messaging call format using a special number; (d) operating theplurality of message handling units cooperatively to effect querying thecalling instrument to ascertain a substantially pinpoint geographiclocation of the calling instrument substantially contemporaneously withthe extant call; and (e) operating the plurality of message handlingunits cooperatively to use the geographic location for routing theextant call to at least one selected special number answering stationcoupled with the at least one communication network and situatedgenerally proximate with the geographic location.

It is, therefore a feature of the present invention to provide a systemand method for handling special number calls using a text message formatthat recognizes a shortened calling number.

It is another feature of the present invention to provide a system andmethod for handling special number calls using a text message formatthat can provide location information relating to the calling party.

Further features of the present invention will be apparent from thefollowing specification and claims when considered in connection withthe accompanying drawings, in which like elements are labeled using likereference numerals in the various figures, illustrating the preferredembodiments of the invention.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram illustrating a system for handling specialnumber calls using a text message format.

FIG. 2 is a schematic diagram illustrating representative call flowsthat may be employed with the system illustrated in FIG. 1.

FIG. 3 is a flow diagram illustrating a method for handling specialnumber calls using a text message format.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

For purposes of illustration, by way of example and not by way oflimitation, the present invention will be discussed in the context of anemergency service network in the United States, commonly referred to asan E9-1-1 network. The teachings of the present invention are equallyapplicable, useful and novel in other special number calling systems,such as maintenance service networks, college campus security networksand other networks.

In the following detailed description, numerous specific details are setforth in order to provide a thorough understanding of the invention.However, it will be understood by those skilled in the art that thepresent invention may be practiced without these specific details. Inother instances, well-known methods, procedures, components and circuitshave not been described in detail so as not to obscure the presentinvention.

When the terms “coupled” and “connected”, along with their derivatives,are used herein, it should be understood that these terms are notintended as synonyms for each other. Rather, in particular embodiments,“connected” is used to indicate that two or more elements are in directphysical or electrical contact with each other. “Coupled” is used toindicated that two or more elements are in either direct or indirect(with other intervening elements between them) physical or electricalcontact with each other, or that the two or more elements co-operate orinteract with each other (e.g., as in a cause-and-effect relationship).

FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram illustrating a system for handling specialnumber calls using a text message format. In FIG. 1, a system 10 forhandling wireless special number calls, such as wireless EmergencyService E9-1-1 calls, includes an originating wireless network section12, a location server section 14 and a location client section 16.

Originating wireless network section 12 includes a plurality of wirelessphones 20 ₁, 20 ₂, 20 _(n) in communication with a plurality of wirelesscommunication antennas 22 ₁, 22 ₂, 22 _(m) and an associated pluralityof Base Station Controllers (BSC) 24 ₁, 24 ₂, 24 _(s). Wireless network12 may be implemented in any configuration using any protocol orstandard. In a preferred embodiment, wireless network 12 is implementedaccording to the Global System for Mobile Communications (GSM; alsosometimes referred to as Groupe Speciale Mobile) standard. Theindicators “n”, “m” and “s” are employed to signify that there can beany number of wireless phones, wireless communication antennas and BSCsin originating wireless network section 10. The inclusion of threewireless phones 20 ₁, 20 ₂, 20 _(n); three wireless communicationantennas 22 ₁, 22 ₂, 22 _(m) and three BSCs 24 ₁, 24 ₂, 24 _(s) in FIG.1 is illustrative only and does not constitute any limitation regardingthe number of wireless phones, wireless communication antennas and BSCsthat may be included in an originating wireless network section 10 inthe present invention. Moreover, it is not required that the numbers ofwireless phones, wireless communication antennas and BSCs be equal.

Originating wireless network section 12 also includes at least oneMobile Switching Center (MSC) 26 coupled with base station controllers(BSC) 24 ₁, 24 ₂, 24 _(s). A Mobile Location Center (MLC) 28 and aRouting Data Base (RDB) 29 are coupled with MSC 26 for use by MSC 26 indetermining location of a respective wireless phone 20 _(n).

MLC 28 preferably embodies functions performed by other units known bythose skilled in the art of telecommunication networks such as, by wayof example and not by way of limitation, a Serving Mobile LocationCenter (SMLC), Position Determining Entity (PDE), a Gateway MobileLocation Center (GMLC), a Mobile Positioning Center (MPC), a HomeLocation Register (HLR) and a Visitors' Location Register (VLR).

Location server section 14 includes a communication network 30 coupledwith MSC 26, a Short Message Service Unit (SMSU) 32 coupled withcommunication network 30 and a PSAP Mobile Switching Center (MSC) 34coupled with communication network 30. In preferred embodiment, SMSU 32is coupled with MLC 28 and with RDB 29 for directly receiving locationinformation and routing information. SMSU 32 embodies functionsperformed by other units known by those skilled in the art oftelecommunication networks such as, by way of example and not by way oflimitation, a Short Message Service Center (SMSC), a Gateway MobileLocation Center (GMLC) and a Mobile Positioning Center (MPC). SMSU 32 isconfigured for recognizing and supporting special number SMScommunications such as, by way of example and not by way of limitation,emergency service E9-1-1 communications.

Location client section 16 includes a public safety answering unit 40.Public safety answering unit 40 includes a PSAP 42 configured forhandling emergency Short Message Service (SMS) communications andcoupled with MSC 34. Alternatively, PSAP 42 may not be configured forhandling SMS communications, and public service answering unit 40 mayalso include an SMS converting unit 42 coupled with PSAP 42 forconverting SMS communications to voice or data communications, or bothvoice and data communications, or voice format and visual formatcommunications for use by PSAP 42. SMS converting unit 44 is coupledwith MSC 34 when installed. Location client section 16 is configuredwith PSAP 40 coupled with MSC 34 for voice communications (indicated bya broken line in FIG. 1) and with SMS converting unit 44 coupled withMSC 34 for SMS communications (indicated by a solid line in FIG. 1).

MSC 34 is configured in a manner similar to configuration of MSC 26 andcoupled for serving public safety answering unit 40. MSC 34 is alsocoupled for serving communication stations or units other than publicsafety answering unit 40.

A particular wireless phone 20 _(n) may thus establish a call routetraversing system 10 via an antenna 22 _(m) and associated BSC 24 _(s)via MSC 26, communication network 30 and MSC 34 to public safetyanswering unit 40. For PSAP 42 not configured for handling emergency SMScommunications, SMS converting unit 44 may be included in a call routeleading to PSAP 42.

Alternatively, a call route may be established from communicationnetwork 30 to PSAP 42 via SMSU 32, as indicated by a connection betweenSMSU 32 and PSAP 42 in a broken line format. Further, a call route maybe established from communication network 30 to PSAP 42 via SMSconverting unit 44 if PSAP 42 is not configured for handling emergencySMS communications. By way of example and not by way of limitation,communications between SMSU 32 and public safety answering unit 40(i.e., either or both of PSAP 42 and SMS converting unit 44) may becarried out using Internet Protocol (IP) communications.

PSAP 42 may be embodied in a mobile handset (similar to a wireless phone20 _(n)). In such an arrangement, one or more antenna (similar toantenna 22 _(m)) and BSC (similar to BSC 24 _(s)) may, by way of exampleand not by way of limitation, be included in a call route between MSC 34and public safety answering unit 40. Employment of such additionalparticipating elements in call routing will be understood by one skilledin the art of special number communication system design. Suchadditional elements are not included in FIG. 1 so as to avoid clutteringFIG. 1.

FIG. 2 is a schematic diagram illustrating representative call flowsthat may be employed with the system illustrated in FIG. 1. In FIG. 2, amobile communication unit 50 places an emergency service Short MessageService (SMS) call, indicated as step #1, to a mobile switching center(MSC) 52. MSC 52 places a Mobile Originated Short Message (MO-SM) callto at least one Emergency Short Message Service Unit(s) (ESMSU) 54,indicated as step #2. Any call between MSC 52 and ESMSU 54 (includingcalls involved in steps 3, 5, 6, 10, 11, and 8, described below) may beplaced via one or more Signal Transfer Points, indicated in FIG. 2 by anSTP 53. The optional nature of participation by an STP in callsrepresented in FIG. 2 is indicated by depicting STP 53 using a dottedline format.

ESMSU 54 then establishes a Mobile Terminated Short Message (MT-SM)communication channel with MSC 52 (indicated as step #3) and MSC 32establishes a Mobile Terminated Short Message (MT-SM) communicationchannel with mobile communication unit 50 (indicated as step #4. TheMT-SM established by step #4 supports SM communications with mobilecommunication unit 50.

ESMSU 54 thereafter requests location information relating to the caller(i.e., mobile communication unit 50) of the originating wireless network55 (e.g., See FIG. 1; originating wireless network 12) using whateverlocation technology may be supported by the extant originating wirelessnetwork 55 (indicated as step #5. It is preferred that the most accuratelocation information available be obtained. MSC 52 provides locationinformation to ESMSU 54 (indicated as step #6).

ESMSU 54 thereafter provides the emergency MO-SM received from mobilecommunication unit 50 (step #1) to a Public Safety Answering Position(PSAP) 56 accompanied by location information relating to position ofthe originating caller at mobile communication unit 50 (indicated asstep #7). In an embodiment of the invention, step #7 includes theemergency MO-SM received from mobile communication unit 50 plus pinpointgeographic information, such as geo-coordinate location (e.g., X/Y orX/Y/Z coordinates) or Global Positioning System (GPS) locationinformation or coarse wireless cell level location information. Morethan one format of location information may accompany step #7, ifdesired.

Which respective PSAP 56 is selected for receiving the Emergency MO-SMis determined by an MSC using location information received via step #6in order to effect routing the Emergency MO-SM to a PSAP proximate tothe location of the mobile communication unit 50 that originated theemergency services call.

PSAP 56 sends a reply Short Message (SM) to mobile communication unit 50and engages in an SM chat session (i.e., two-way duplex or half-duplexSM communication) with a caller using mobile communication unit 50. PSAP56 cooperates with ESMSU and MSC 52 to establish the necessarycommunication channels for carrying out the SM communicationsrepresented by step #8. Communication channels established pursuant toeffecting steps #5 and #6 are employed in establishing channels requiredfor effecting step #8, if desired.

PSAP 56 updates location information pertaining to mobile communicationunit 50 by placing a request for updated caller location information, asindicated by a step #9. In response to such a request for updatedlocation information, ESMSU54 requests location information relating tothe caller (i.e., mobile communication unit 50) of the originatingwireless network (e.g., See FIG. 1; originating wireless network 12)using whatever location technology may be supported by the extantnetwork (indicated as step #10). It is preferred that the most accuratelocation information available be obtained. MSC 52 provides locationinformation to ESMSU 54 (indicated as step #11). Updated locationinformation is thereafter provided by ESMSU 54 to PSAP 56, as indicatedby a step #12. The step sequence #9-#12 is repeated as often as desiredor necessary to keep PSAP 56 apprised of the position of mobilecommunication unit 50.

It may be desirable to ensure that subsequent SM communicationsfollowing step #1 (original emergency SM call) so that all SMcommunications sent from a particular caller may be routed to the samePSAP 56, even if the caller may move. Such continuing communications mayoccur during the chat session that may be established in indicated step#8. Because SMS communications do not provide an indication of “endcall”, it may be desirable to provide an indication that an emergencyhas ended. One indication of “end call” may involve designating apredetermined fixed time period between communication sessions orbetween succeeding SMs. By way of example and not by way of limitation,if a subsequent SM is sent more than 24 hours after a previous SM, thesubsequent SM is considered as related to a new emergency situation. Insuch a situation, if mobile calling unit 50 has moved, a new PSAP may beassigned to the same emergency caller-mobile communication unit 50 basedon the new location.

A Mobile Location Center (MLC) (see, e.g., MLC 28; FIG. 1) and a RoutingData Base (RDB) (see, e.g., RDB 29; FIG. 1) may be coupled with MSC 52for use by MSC 52 in determining location of a respective wirelesscommunication unit 50.

An MLC coupled with MSC 52 preferably embodies functions performed byother units known by those skilled in the art of telecommunicationnetworks such as, by way of example and not by way of limitation, aServing Mobile Location Center (SMLC), Position Determining Entity(PDE), a Gateway Mobile Location Center (GMLC), a Mobile PositioningCenter (MPC), a Home Location Register (HLR) and a Visitors' LocationRegister (VLR).

Emergency Short Message Service Unit (ESMSU) 54 embodies functionsperformed by other units known by those skilled in the art oftelecommunication networks such as, by way of example and not by way oflimitation, a Short Message Service Center (SMSC), a Gateway MobileLocation Center (GMLC) and a Mobile Positioning Center (MPC). ESMSU 54is configured for recognizing and supporting special number SMScommunications such as, by way of example and not by way of limitation,emergency service E9-1-1 communications.

Any portions or associated elements of ESMSU 54 and MSC 52 may beemployed alone or in combination to participate in determining locationof mobile communication unit 50 to aid in selecting a particular PSAP 56to which to route the MO-SM communication (step #2). It is important toselect a PSAP 56 located as proximate to location of mobilecommunication unit 50 as feasible so as to accommodate rapid response ofemergency service personnel to the reported emergency.

FIG. 3 is a flow diagram illustrating a method for handling specialnumber calls using a text message format. In FIG. 3, a method 100 forhandling special number calls placed from a calling instrument using atext messaging format begins at a START locus 102. Method 100 continueswith providing a plurality of message handling units, as indicated by ablock 104.

Method 100 continues with coupling the plurality of message handlingunits in at least one communication network accessible by the callinginstrument, as indicated by a block 106.

Method 100 continues with operating at least one selected messagehandling unit of the plurality of message handling units to recognize anextant call placed from the calling instrument in the text messagingcall format using a special number, as indicated by a block 108.

Method 100 continues with operating the plurality of message handlingunits cooperatively to effect querying the calling instrument toascertain a substantially pinpoint geographic location of the callinginstrument substantially contemporaneously with the extant call, asindicated by a block 110.

Method 100 continues with operating the plurality of message handlingunits cooperatively to use the geographic location for routing theextant call to at least one selected special number answering stationcoupled with the at least one communication network and situatedgenerally proximate with the geographic location, as indicated by ablock 112. Method 100 terminates at an END locus 114.

It is to be understood that, while the detailed drawings and specificexamples given describe embodiments of the invention, they are for thepurpose of illustration only, that the system and method of theinvention are not limited to the precise details and conditionsdisclosed and that various changes may be made therein without departingfrom the spirit of the invention which is defined by the followingclaims:

1. A system for handling special number calls placed from a callinginstrument using a text messaging format; the system comprising: aplurality of message handling units configured in at least onecommunication network accessible by said calling instrument; at leastone selected message handling unit of said plurality of message handlingunits operating to recognize an extant call placed from said callinginstrument in said text messaging call format using a special number;said plurality of message handling units cooperating to effect queryingsaid calling instrument to ascertain a substantially pinpoint geographiclocation of said calling instrument substantially contemporaneously withsaid extant call; and said plurality of message handling unitscooperating to use said geographic location for routing said extant callto at least one selected special number answering station coupled withsaid at least one communication network and situated generally proximatewith said geographic location.
 2. A system for handling special numbercalls placed from a calling instrument using a text messaging format asrecited in claim 1 wherein said geographic location is provided to saidat least one selected special number answering station substantiallycontemporaneously with said extant call.
 3. A system for handlingspecial number calls placed from a calling instrument using a textmessaging format as recited in claim 1 wherein said at least oneselected special number answering station is configured for cooperatingwith said plurality of message handling units after receiving saidextant call for initiating a query to said calling instrument forupdating said geographic location.
 4. A system for handling specialnumber calls placed from a calling instrument using a text messagingformat as recited in claim 1 wherein said at least one communicationnetwork includes at least one converting unit coupled with at least onecall route established between said calling instrument and said at leastone selected special number answering station using selected messagehandling units of said plurality of message handling units; said atleast one converting unit effecting conversion of calls from said textmessaging format to at least one of an audio format and a visual format.5. A system for handling special number calls placed from a callinginstrument using a text messaging format as recited in claim 4 whereinsaid geographic location is provided to said at least one selectedspecial number answering station substantially contemporaneously withsaid extant call.
 6. A system for handling special number calls placedfrom a calling instrument using a text messaging format as recited inclaim 4 wherein said at least one selected special number answeringstation is configured for cooperating with said plurality of messagehandling units after receiving said extant call for initiating a queryto said calling instrument for updating said geographic location.
 7. Asystem for handling special number calls placed from a callinginstrument using a text messaging format as recited in claim 5 whereinsaid at least one selected special number answering station isconfigured for cooperating with said plurality of message handling unitsafter receiving said extant call for initiating a query to said callinginstrument for updating said geographic location.
 8. A system forhandling emergency service calls placed from a calling instrument usinga text messaging format; the system comprising: a plurality of messagehandling units configured in at least one communication networkaccessible by said calling instrument; at least one selected messagehandling unit of said plurality of message handling units operating torecognize an extant call placed from said calling instrument in saidtext messaging call format using an emergency service number; saidplurality of message handling units cooperating to effect querying saidcalling instrument to ascertain a substantially pinpoint geographiclocation of said calling instrument substantially contemporaneously withsaid extant call; and said plurality of message handling unitscooperating to use said geographic location for routing said extant callto at least one selected public service answering position coupled withsaid at least one communication network and situated generally proximatewith said geographic location.
 9. A system for handling emergencyservice calls placed from a calling instrument using a text messagingformat as recited in claim 8 wherein said geographic location isprovided to said at least one selected public safety answering positionsubstantially contemporaneously with said extant call.
 10. A system forhandling emergency service calls placed from a calling instrument usinga text messaging call format as recited in claim 8 wherein said at leastone selected public safety answering position is configured forcooperating with said plurality of message handling units afterreceiving said extant call for initiating a query to said callinginstrument for updating said geographic location.
 11. A system forhandling emergency service calls placed from a calling instrument usinga text messaging call format as recited in claim 8 wherein said at leastone communication network includes at least one converting unit coupledwith at least one call route established between said calling instrumentand said at least one selected public safety answering position usingselected message handling units of said plurality of message handlingunits; said at least one converting unit effecting conversion of callsfrom said text messaging format to at least one of an audio format and avisual format.
 12. A system for handling emergency service calls placedfrom a calling instrument using a text messaging call format as recitedin claim 11 wherein said geographic location is provided to said atleast one selected public safety answering position substantiallycontemporaneously with said extant call.
 13. A system for handlingemergency service calls placed from a calling instrument using a textmessaging call format as recited in claim 11 wherein said at least oneselected public safety answering position is configured for cooperatingwith said plurality of message handling units after receiving saidextant call for initiating a query to said calling instrument forupdating said geographic location.
 14. A system for handling emergencyservice calls placed from a calling instrument using a text messagingcall format as recited in claim 12 wherein said at least one selectedpublic safety answering position is configured for cooperating with saidplurality of message handling units after receiving said extant call forinitiating a query to said calling instrument for updating saidgeographic location.
 15. A method for handling special number callsplaced from a calling instrument using a text messaging format; themethod comprising: (a) providing a plurality of message handling units;(b) coupling said plurality of message handling units in at least onecommunication network accessible by said calling instrument; (c)operating at least one selected message handling unit of said pluralityof message handling units to recognize an extant call placed from saidcalling instrument in said text messaging call format using a specialnumber; (d) operating said plurality of message handling unitscooperatively to effect querying said calling instrument to ascertain asubstantially pinpoint geographic location of said calling instrumentsubstantially contemporaneously with said extant call; and (e) operatingsaid plurality of message handling units cooperatively to use saidgeographic location for routing said extant call to at least oneselected special number answering station coupled with said at least onecommunication network and situated generally proximate with saidgeographic location.
 16. A method for handling special number callsplaced from a calling instrument using a text messaging format asrecited in claim 17 wherein said geographic location is provided to saidat least one selected special number answering station substantiallycontemporaneously with said extant call.
 17. A method for handlingspecial number calls placed from a calling instrument using a textmessaging format as recited in claim 17 wherein said at least oneselected special number answering station is configured for cooperatingwith said plurality of message handling units after receiving saidextant call for initiating a query to said calling instrument forupdating said geographic location.
 18. A method for handling specialnumber calls placed from a calling instrument using a text messagingformat as recited in claim 17 wherein said at least one communicationnetwork includes at least one converting unit coupled with at least onecall route established between said calling instrument and said at leastone selected special number answering station using selected messagehandling units of said plurality of message handling units; said atleast one converting unit effecting conversion of calls from said textmessaging format to at least one of an audio format and a visual format.19. A method for handling special number calls placed from a callinginstrument using a text messaging format as recited in claim 18 whereinsaid geographic location is provided to said at least one selectedspecial number answering station substantially contemporaneously withsaid extant call.
 20. A method for handling special number calls placedfrom a calling instrument using a text messaging format as recited inclaim 18 wherein said at least one selected special number answeringstation is configured for cooperating with said plurality of messagehandling units after receiving said extant call for initiating a queryto said calling instrument for updating said geographic location.